WORKSHOP 13

Normal Modes Analysis

of a Simply-Supported
Stiffened Plate

Objectives:
■ Manually convert a Linear Static analysis (Sol 101) input
file to a Normal Modes analysis (Sol 103) input file.

■ Learn how to generate weight information for a model.

■ Submit a Normal Modes analysis to MSC.Nastran.

■ Attach both model AND results into MSC.Patran via the

MSC.Nastran binary results file (.xdb).

■ Review the results of a Normal Modes analysis.

■ Visualize mode shapes.

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 13-1

13-2 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 13 Stiffened Plate (Sol 103)

Model Description:
The model used for this exercise is identical to the model used for
Workshop 10.

Figure 13.1 - Model Schematics

5.0 (typ) b
0.1
Stiffener

A
2.0
A a a
20.0
0.1
20.0 Z
X b
Y View A-A
1.0

Table 13.1 - Model Properties

Elastic Modulus: 10.3E+06 psi

Poisson Ratio: 0.3
Density: 0.101 lbs/in3
Plate Thickness: 0.1 in
Bar Cross-Sectional Area: 0.38 in2
Iaa: 0.2293 in4
Ibb: 0.0168 in4
J: 0.0013 in4

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 13-3

 Exercise Procedure:
1. The input file for this Workshop is called
workshop13_work.bdf. This input file is identical to
solution input file for Workshop 10. Edit this file so that
the MSC.Nastran solver will extract the first five normal
modes.

2. Input file items that for consideration:

Entry Comments

FMS

SOL What solution sequence is used for a Normal Modes analysis?

Case Control

LOAD What is the significance of an externally applied load with respect to an eigenvalue
problem?

METHOD How does the solver know what eigenvalue extraction parameters to use?
SPCFORCES, What is the significance of the force & stress results with respect to an eigenvalue
STRESS problem?

Bulk Data
(PARAMs)

COUPMASS Which mass matrix formulation should be used? Lumped or consistent?

GRDPNT What useful information can result from this entry?

EIGRL How does this entry relate to a Normal Modes analysis?

3. After completing revisions to the model, save it under the

name workshop13.bdf and submit the input file to
MSC.Nastran for analysis. To do this, find an available
xterm window and at the prompt enter: nastran
workshop13.bdf scr=yes. Monitor the run using the
UNIX ps command.

3a. When the run is completed, edit the workshop13.f06 file

and search for the word FATAL. If none exists, search for
the word WARNING. Determine whether or not existing
WARNING messages indicate modeling errors.

13-4 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 13 Stiffened Plate (Sol 103)

4. While still editing workshop13.f06, search for the word:

W E I G H T (spaces are necessary)

What is the weight of the structure?

weight =

Where is the Center of the Gravity (C.G.) located?

X-C.G.=
Y-C.G.=
Z-C.G.=

Search for the word:

R E A L (spaces are necessary).

What are the first 5 modal frequencies for the structure?

mode 1 Hz
mode 2 Hz
mode 3 Hz
mode 4 Hz
mode 5 Hz

5. Finally, visualize the results in MSC.Patran. Attach both

model & results into a new MSC.Patran database via the
workshop13.xdb results file.

◆ Analysis
Action: Attach XDB
Object: Result Entities
Method: Local

Select Results File...

Filter

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 13-5

 Selected Results File: workshop13.xdb
OK
Apply

When translation is completed and the Heartbeat turns green, bring

up the Results form.

◆ Results
Action: Create
Object: Quick Plot

Choose the desired result case in the Select Result Cases list and
select the result in the Select Deformation Result list. And hit
Apply to view the result(s) in the viewport. Do this for each of your
mode shapes.

To reset the display graphics to the state it was in before post-

processing the model, use the Reset Graphics tool from the main
toobar.

Reset Graphics

Quit MSC.Patran after completing this exercise.

13-6 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook